Join Arihanta Institute’s Jonathan Dickstein for a special live episode of the Engaged Jain Studies podcast, featuring a conversation with Laila Kassam, Executive Director of Project Phoenix, a UK-based advocacy organization dedicated to increasing public support for animal liberation.

 

In this live episode of the podcast, Laila and Jonathan discuss the past and present states of the animal liberation movement and what needs to change in the years ahead. What lessons have we learned from the past few decades of animal advocacy and activism? What are some missed opportunities? What are some key approaches for changing public opinion on animal issues?

 

Tune in for a forward-looking conversation about strategizing for animals in 2025.  

 

 

 

 

Listen to top figures in the fields of Jain Studies, Religious Studies, Vegan Studies, Compassion Studies, and Social Justice discuss pressing issues of everyday relevance. Together let’s move beyond the realm of personal spiritual growth and connect philosophy, religion, and spirituality to the important task of caring for the wellbeing of society. Learn about your world and how to change it on the Engaged Jain Studies Podcast. Brought to you by Arihanta Institute, an IRC 501(c)(3) nonprofit California Corporation.

 

 

 

Jonathan Dickstein, PhD, an Assistant Professor at Arihanta Institute beginning May 2023, specializes in South Asian Religions, Religion and Ecology, and Comparative Religious Ethics. He received his doctoral degree in Religious Studies from the University of California, Santa Barbara, where he wrote his dissertation on ancient Indian animal taxonomies and their relevance for religious ritual and dietary practice. Jonathan’s current work focuses on Jainism and contemporary ecological issues, and accordingly extends into Critical Animal Studies, Food Studies, and Diaspora Studies.

 

Jonathan has published in a wide array of interdisciplinary journals on topics such as veganism and politics, yoga and diet, Jain veganism, and the ethic of nonviolence (ahiṃsa). Jonathan considers himself a scholar-practitioner, having spent many years not only in libraries but also in public advocating for justice for both humans and nonhumans alike.

 

 

Laila is a Founder and Director of Project Phoenix. As Executive Director, she leads Project Phoenix’s development, strengthening organisational capacity, and guiding strategic planning, leadership, and culture, to ensure its impact aligns with its mission and values. As Network Power Lead, she cultivates a national network of organisations and individuals working toward shared goals for animal freedom.

 

Laila is a Co-Founder and former Director of Animal Think Tank where she served for six years. She is co-editor of the book ‘Rethinking Food and Agriculture: New Ways Forward’ which envisions a truly just and sustainable food system. She is on the Advisory Board of Animal Advocacy Careers and The Empathy Project and a mentor for Kickstarting for Good. Laila has been involved in social change for most of her career having previously worked in international development for 15 years. She has a PhD in Development Economics (SOAS) and an MSc in Development Management (LSE).